Designers from New Caledonia and Samoa stand out in logo challenge

28 Oct 2016 | Noumea

An accomplished graphic designer from New Caledonia, Pascale Gery, has won the 70th anniversary logo design competition for the Pacific Community (SPC).

In 2017, as SPC celebrates 70 years of operation, Ms Gery’s striking design will feature on the organisation’s website, publications, social media platforms, event banners and other anniversary materials that SPC will share within the region and internationally.

The Pacific Community Director-General, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, has announced the winner and three runners-up today at SPC headquarters in Noumea.

From among the 20 entries received from designers and artists in six Pacific countries and territories, the judging panel awarded consolation prizes to: Ela To’omaga-Kaikilekofé (Samoa) for originality; Thomas Seuao (Samoa) for dynamism; and Jérôme Le Callonnec (New Caledonia) for elegance.

“As SPC is owned and governed by the people of the Pacific, it’s important that we involve a wide cross section of society, governments and our many other partners in marking our anniversary, and that’s why we’ve held this public design competition,” he said.

“Our organisation’s 70th anniversary will be an opportunity to reflect upon what we’ve accomplished, celebrate what it means to be part of our unique and diverse Pacific community and to look forward with optimism to the future prospects for our region,” Dr Tukuitonga said.

Speaking at the announcement, Ms Gery said she felt honoured to have her work recognised by SPC.

“Thank you very much for choosing my design and giving me this opportunity to share my creative passion with so many people during what will be a significant moment in the history of SPC and our region,” Ms Gery said.

SPC was founded in 1947, one year after the United Nations, and has had several name changes over the years: from the South Pacific Commission to the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, and now simply the Pacific Community, but always retaining its well-known abbreviation ‘SPC’.

In September, graphic designers and artists – including amateurs, students and professionals – were invited to help the region celebrate by designing a special 70th anniversary logo.